GIRL FOOTBALLERS.

Auckland Star, Volume LII, Issue 172, 21 July 1921, Page 7

GIRL FOOTBALLERS.

: —• AMENDMENTS TO RTT__S. OPPOSED DV KLGBY LEAGUE. > The Auckland Rugby League management committee last evening heard a deputation from the Parnell Girls' Club asking to be allowed to play a modified form of the League code at Cariaw Park, and after discussion, in which arguments from both sides wore tendered, the request was declined. The deputation consisted of a matron and two girls, together with male members of the Parnell Club, and a preliminary interview was held with members of the Auckland Referees' Association, after which the president of the referee- (Mr. -A. Ferguson) accompanied tiie Parnell enthusiasts into the League meeting and explained the modifications of the game that were suggested for the girls. He said tackling, charging, scrum work and playing the ball rules had been altered so "as to prevent the rough-and-tumble of the game. One of the deputation said practices had already been held, the girls were under the charge of three matrons, two of whom were trained nurses, and after the practice game last Saturday they were convinced that the game, with the suggested modifications, would not be harmful for ladies. The club now had Go members. It had been decided to adopt, as a uniform socks, shorts and long jerseys. It was said by another member that since women had successfully undertaken ■heavy work in the war they could play the League game under modified rules. If it were condemned: all games, such as basketball and hockey, should be likewise barred to gfrls. There were girls at present playing "Soccer" who were anxious to change to Lea_tie. When the deputation, withdrew the matter was discussed in committee. Medical opinion, said Mr. J. Cariaw (chairman), opposition to football for girls. % Mr. G. Hunt was opposed to granting permission to girls to play under the jurisdiction of the League, and therefore moved that the request of the deputation be declined. A falling of! in public support would also result from enabling girls to play the game. Mr. E. Stallwortby said that in the opinion of one doctor no great harm could result from girls playing against others of their own sex. Mr. T. Fcilding advanced another medical opinion in support of Mr. Stallworthv's statement, and moved as an amendment that a trial game lie arranged at Cariaw Park under the modified rules, and that doctors be invited to witness the game with a view to getting medical opinion on the suitability of the game for girls. The amendment was lost on the votes, nnd the motion that the request of the

deputation be declined was carried.